Abigail Francis

Education

• PhD in Global Inclusion and Social Development, University of Massachusetts Boston 
• MSW and LCSW, Simmons College 
• BS in Psychology and Pre-Medical Studies, Bates College 

Biography

Abigail Francis is director of engagement and belonging in the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University. 

In line with Khoury College’s mission of “CS for everyone,” Francis is responsible for the college’s engagement and belonging action plans and initiatives and is driven to build a stronger sense of belonging across the college’s network campus teams. She collaborates with colleagues across the Northeastern colleges and campuses to create a welcoming and inclusive institution.

Prior to joining Khoury College in 2023, Francis completed her doctoral research on the culture and climate of STEM environments through an intersectional lens. She also worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for 14 years, most recently as the assistant dean of intercultural engagement. In that role, she provided campus-wide leadership, vision, and direction that helped make MIT a more supportive and welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff — and won a slew of university awards for her work. Outside of her primary job, Francis spearheads workshops, education, and consultation efforts. 

Francis loves intersectional and justice-focused approaches and analyses, learning about food as medicine, speaking Spanish, and traveling.